New app discovery platform from ixigo will allow brands to connect with train travellers directly to help them find deals.

The ixigo trains app is adding more content to keep travellers engaged with its new app discovery platform, which was announced on Thursday. The new platform allows brands to reach lakhs of train travellers and helps them discover apps and deals across various categories.

Le Travenues' ixigo app would serve as a platform for marketing and help brands reach the targeted audience. ixigo said it understands the need of users by their interests, habits and the phase of their journey, and uses this to offer relevant content, services and products they need the most. ixigo said it has already partnered with more than 20 brands for its app discovery platform.

"Our goal is to help travellers discover high quality apps contextually. Also, for partners it's a great marketing channel with amazing targeting possibilities," Aloke Bajpai, ixigo CEO and co-founder, said in a statement. "They are helping our travellers recharge on the go, book a meal for their journey, and to discover content, services and products that they may want to order during, before or after their journey.

The firm has currently partnered with Amazon, Flipkart, Paytm, Freecharge, PepperTap, DineOut, BlaBlaCar, UrbanClap, Cleartrip, MakeMyTrip, Spicejet, TravelKhana and Twigly for its app discovery platform. The free trains app, which has received positive reviews from several users, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai, has more than 70 lakh users in India, including 18 lakh monthly active users and 3 lakh daily users.

The ixigo trans app gives information on train routes, schedules, coach positions, platform numbers, real-time seat availability, PNR predictions and waitlisted bookings. Users can also set alarms to alert travellers before the station arrives. The app is currently available only on Android, and the company spokesperson confirmed that an iOS app is underway.

The ixigo app can also be used to find and book cheap hotels and avail cab services. Ixigo also has an instant booking facility called ixibook in partnership with Cleartrip for flights, and with OYO Rooms for hotels.

"We are now evaluating more partnerships in the news, music and entertainment categories," Bajpai added.